KCA chief's son held for carrying pistol

Taslimuddin Siddiqui, son of Kanpur Cricket Association's chief Naimuddin Siddiqui, was on Wednesday arrested for possessing a pistol inside the Green Park Stadium, venue of the first cricket Test between India and South Africa.

Taslimuddin, alias Pasha, had come to the stadium to invite cricketer Mohammad Saif, brother of Indian middle-order bat Mohammad Kaif, for a prize distribution ceremony of a social organisation, of which he is the president.

He was arrested with the pistol near the media centre of the Stadium.

Pasha told the police that he had a valid arms license.

He claimed he was carrying the arm for his safety as he had been receiving several threats.

Pasha, who also owns a chemical factory in Kanpur, entered the stadium from Gate Number two in his car which had a car pass issued by the District Police. He also had a special pass, allowing entry to all enclosures in the stadium.

After arresting him, the police brought Pasha to the Kotwali Police Station where a case was lodged against him.

He would be produced before the court on Thursday, police sources said.

The District Administration had prohibited carrying arms inside the ground during the match.